Far From Home: Bringing an extraordinary chapter of Elmwood’s history to the stage

School production runs from May 29-31

This spring, Elmwood School will bring a powerful and deeply personal story to life with Far From Home, a two-act play written by Elmwood Old Girl Janet Uren. 

Created in honour of the school’s 110th anniversary (1915–2025), the production draws from Uren’s book of the same name and tells a remarkable true story rooted in both global history and local community.

Set between wartime England and Ottawa in the 1940s and 2004, Far From Home follows the journey of one young evacuee, Polly, whose story anchors the emotional heart of the play. Audiences meet Polly as a seven-year-old arriving in Canada, follow her through her formative years at Elmwood, and encounter her again in her early 70s as she returns to Ottawa to reflect on a life shaped by that experience. Through Polly’s eyes, the play explores themes of displacement, belonging, and the lasting impact of compassion.

Second World War

The events that first brought Polly to Canada began in the early days of the Second World War, as London faced the growing threat of bombings. 

Cairine Wilson, an Elmwood parent at the time and Canada’s first female senator, extended an invitation intended for family friends to send their children to safety. The scope of the invitation was misunderstood, or ignored. Instead an entire school group — one young teacher, Leonora Williams, two assistants, and 23 children between the ages of three and 12 — set sail across the Atlantic.

The journey was long and difficult. Many of the children became ill during the crossing, suffering severe seasickness and harsh conditions at sea. When they finally arrived in Ottawa in June 1940, they were welcomed by Elmwood’s then-headmistress, Edith Buck. She quickly made space for the unexpected group while the borders were home on summer holidays.

Soon after their arrival, the situation became even more uncertain. England closed its borders to the export of currency and suspended transatlantic crossings after a ship was torpedoed. This left the children and their teachers stranded in Canada without financial support.

Navigating uncertainty

The play traces how these young evacuees navigated uncertainty far from home, relying on one another and the compassion of those around them to find connection in unfamiliar surroundings. In the face of displacement, relationships begin to take shape, and a sense of belonging slowly emerges — one that would leave a lasting impression on their lives.

The upcoming production reflects that same spirit of connection. Staged at uOttawa’s Academic Hall between May 29 and 31, the play brings together past and present members of the Elmwood community in a truly intergenerational collaboration. The cast includes alumnae, faculty, and current students, each contributing to the retelling of this important chapter in the school’s history.

More than a historical drama, Far From Home is a tribute to the power of compassion and the enduring impact of community. As Elmwood marks 110 years, the story of Polly — and the many children like her — serves as a reminder that in moments of global uncertainty, small acts of generosity can shape lives for decades to come.

Performances: 

• May 29 at 7:30 p.m., 

• May 30 at 7:30 p.m.,

• May 31 at 2:30 p.m.

For tickets, visit elmwood.ca/tickets